17 Side Dishes That Make Every Potluck Table Shine

The best potluck tables are remembered for their sides. These recipes are simple to prepare, easy to share, and guaranteed to be eaten first. From roasted vegetables to creamy potatoes and bright greens, each one brings balance to the meal. Here are 17 sides that make every potluck spread stand out.

A bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli. — Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots take about 35 minutes with carrots, honey, olive oil, and herbs. The carrots roast tender with caramelized edges. Their flavor is sweet, savory, and slightly earthy. This side dish looks bright and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash cooks in about 30 minutes with cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. The mash is creamy and smooth. Its flavor is rich, savory, and slightly smoky. This dish is a lighter swap for potatoes that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in about 30 minutes with Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. The sprouts crisp up while the glaze turns sticky. Their flavor is tangy, sweet, and savory. This recipe makes Brussels sprouts easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in about 25 minutes with sprouts, garam masala, olive oil, and garlic. The edges are crisp and the centers tender. Their flavor is earthy, spiced, and slightly sweet. This dish adds a warm twist to a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown sugar baked sweet potato slices take about 40 minutes with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The slices bake soft with caramelized tops. Their flavor is sweet, spiced, and buttery. This side dish feels seasonal and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots cook in about 25 minutes with carrots, honey, garlic, and butter. The carrots turn tender with a glossy coating. Their flavor is sweet, savory, and garlicky. This side dish is simple but bold.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted root vegetables take about 45 minutes with carrots, parsnips, potatoes, olive oil, and herbs. The vegetables roast golden and crisp on the edges. Their flavor is earthy, sweet, and savory. This side dish is hearty enough to fill any plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta bake in about 30 minutes with sprouts, almonds, feta, and olive oil. The sprouts are tender with crunchy nuts and salty cheese. Their flavor is savory, nutty, and tangy. This dish feels balanced and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans cook in about 20 minutes with beans, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and butter. The beans stay crisp-tender with a glossy coating. Their flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. This recipe makes green beans taste exciting.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes take about 30 minutes with potatoes, butter, cream, and salt. The mash is smooth and fluffy. Its flavor is buttery, savory, and simple. This dish is the classic side everyone expects.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy oven asparagus roasts in about 15 minutes with asparagus, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The stalks are tender with crisp tips. Their flavor is fresh, savory, and slightly citrusy. This dish works year-round but feels perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes cook in about 35 minutes with potatoes, butter, garlic, and sage. The mash is smooth with nutty browned butter. Its flavor is savory, rich, and aromatic. This recipe makes a classic side taste deeper.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions cook in about 25 minutes with beans, garlic, olive oil, and crispy onions. The beans are tender with crunchy topping. Their flavor is savory, garlicky, and slightly salty. This side dish is quick but full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans take about 20 minutes with beans, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. The beans char lightly while staying crisp. Their flavor is smoky, spicy, and savory. This recipe adds boldness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sautéed Swiss rainbow chard cooks in about 15 minutes with chard, garlic, olive oil, and lemon. The greens wilt tender while stems keep slight crunch. Their flavor is earthy, savory, and slightly tangy. This side dish feels light but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Air Fryer Radishes

Air fryer radishes roast in about 15 minutes with radishes, olive oil, garlic, and seasoning. The radishes turn golden and tender. Their flavor is mild, savory, and slightly peppery. This side dish makes a unique alternative to roasted potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

Roasted broccoli and Brussels sprouts bake in about 25 minutes with broccoli, sprouts, olive oil, and garlic. The vegetables are crisp on the edges and tender inside. Their flavor is earthy, savory, and slightly sweet. This side dish is quick, simple, and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts